Table with folding support

ABSTRACT

A table includes a table top with an underside and a support attached to the underside of the table top. The support is rotatable between a stored position and an extended position and extends generally away from the table top when the support is in the extended position and substantially lays against the underside of the table top when the support is in the stored position. A tab is carried by the support. A latch is positioned on the underside of the table top and includes a catch shiftable between an obstructing position and a withdrawn position. The catch includes a locking surface adapted to releasably engage the tab to secure the support in the extended position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to tables, and more particularly to tables with support legs that fold for easy storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Folding tables such as banquet tables have a table top and a support on each end attached to the underside of the table top. Each support can include a pair of legs and can be collapsible or can fold between an extended position and a stored position. In the extended position, the supports are approximately perpendicular to the table top, while in the stored position, the supports are folded against the table top. By placing the supports in the stored position, the table can be stored in a comparatively small space.

In a particular known table, each support is rotatably attached to the underside of the table top. A two bar linkage has a first end connected to the underside of the table top and a second end connected to the support at a position approximately midway down the support. As the support is rotated from the stored position to the extended position, the linkage is extended and locks the support in the extended position.

At least some known tables are cumbersome to use. For example, some two bar linkage systems may be difficult to move into the locking position. Some systems may also present undesirable pinch points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the right side of the table of FIG. 1 with a support in the extended position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the underside of the table of FIG. 2 with the support in a stored position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the underside of the table of FIG. 2 with the support in an extended position.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the table taken along line V-V in FIG. 3, and showing a latch for support.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the table taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4, with the latch in the extended position.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the table taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4, with the latch in the retracted position.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of an alternate example of a cross member and a latch.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the underside of a second example of a left side of a table constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, and with the support in a stored position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the underside of the table of FIG. 9 with the support in an extended position.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the table of FIG. 8, taken along line X-X in FIG. 10.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and the equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a first example of a table 20 with a foldable first support 22. In this example, the table 20 also includes a foldable second support 24. The table 20 defines a left side 26, a right side 28, a front side 30 and a back side 32. The table 20 further includes a left half 33 and a right half 35. The first support 22 is located near the right side 28 on the right half 35, and the second support 24 is located near the left side 26 on the left half 33. The table 20 includes a table top 34 with a top side 36 and an underside 38. The first support 22 and the second support 24 maintain the table top 34 in an elevated position above a substrate 40 when in a set-up condition. In this example, only the structure of the right half 35 of the table 20 will be described, as it will be understood that the structure of the left half 33 of the table 20 can be a mirror image of the right half 35. The labels of the sides of the table 20 used herein are for reference only, and no limitation should be read therein. For example, a circular table as understood herein can include left, right, front and back sides.

The first support 22 is rotatably attached to the underside 38 of the table top 34 and is rotatable through at least an extended position with the table in its set-up condition, as is depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, and a stored position, as depicted in FIG. 3. In the extended position, if first and second supports 22, 24 are used, the first support 22 can normally be at an angle A of approximately 92° from the table top 34. In this position, the first and second supports 22 and 24 can resist forces in the directions of the left and right sides 26, 28, such as a bump on the left side 26 of the table towards the right side 28, to prevent rocking of the table top 20 or an unintentional inward folding of the supports 22, 24. However it is possible that the first support 22 in the extended position could encompass a wide range of angles from the table top 34 in which the table top 34 is supported away from the substrate 40 on which the first support 22 rests. In the stored position, the first support 22 is substantially laying flat against and generally parallel to the underside 38 of the table top 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the underside 38 of the table top 34 is shown. The table top 34 is plate-like and in this example is constructed of molded plastic. The table top 34 can include a series of depressions 42 on its underside to provide rigidity and strength. Other materials can be used to manufacture the table top 34 such as wood, fiber board, metal, combinations thereof, or other suitable materials. The table top 34 can also include a skirt 44 extending downward to help obscure the hardware on the underside 38 of the table top 34 from sight when in the set-up condition, as well as to provide increased strength to the table top 34. The skirt 44 can also allow the supports 22, 24 when folded to rest between a plane defined by a bottom edge 45 of the skirt 44 and the surface of the underside 38 of the table top 34.

The table top 34 can further include at least one receiver 46. In this example, the receiver 46 is a separate piece of hardware fastened to the underside 38 of the table top 34. The receiver 46 is adapted to receive a portion of the first support 22 and removably secure the first support 22 in the stored position. In another example, the receiver 46 can be integral with the table top 34 itself, adapted to receive therein a portion of the first support 22. In this example, the receiver 46 is in the form of a clamp into which a part of the support snaps and is retained.

The table top 34 can include an optional frame 48 on its underside 38. The frame 48 in this example is constructed to provide support to the table top 34 without adding a substantial amount of weight. The frame 48 in this example includes a first rail 50 and a second rail 52 extending along the front side 30 and the back side 32, respectively, on the underside 38, and in this example within the skirt 44. The rails 50, 52 in this example are fabricated from steel and have a Z-shaped cross section. Other constructions of the frame 48 are known to those of skill in the art depending on a particular table application. For example, if the table 20 must support a great amount of weight, the frame 48 can include a number of cross members connecting and extending between the rails 50, 52. The rails 50, 52 can also have increased size in wall thickness and cross-section, or have a different configuration in cross section, such as tubular, or the like. The frame material can also vary as needed.

The first support 22 can be rotatably connected to the frame 48. In this example, the rail 50 includes a front receiving hole 54 and the rail 52 has a back receiving hole 56 on the right side 28 generally opposite the front receiving hole 54. The first support 22 includes a cross member 58 with a front end 60 and a back end 62 rotatably disposed in the front and back receiving holes 54, 56, respectively. The front end 60 and the back end 62 are disposed in the respective receiving holes 54, 56 to provide a connection between the support 22 and the frame 48 such that the first support 22 can be rotated relative to the table top 34 between at least the stored position and the extended position. As such, the cross member 58 defines an axis of rotation 64. Other methods of connection are possible, including bearings, bushings, or a cross member fixed to the frame 48 with the remainder of the first support 22 being rotatably connected to the fixed cross member. The cross member 58 can further be rotatably secured to the table top 34 by one or more U-brackets 66 as an alternative, or as a supplemental support as shown.

In the alternative, where no receiving holes 54, 56 are provided in the frame 48 or no frame is provided at all, receiving holes or depressions can be formed in the skirt 44 or other structure of the underside 38. Further, brackets or other structure could be added to or be integral with the underside 38 of the table top 34. These alternate structures can provide holes or a suitable receptacle to rotatably couple the first support 22 to the table top 34.

The cross member 58 in this example includes a tab 68 extending outwardly from the cross member 58 and positioned approximately midway between two ends 60, 62. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the first support 22 is in the stored position, the tab 68 extends away from the table top 34. When the first support 22 is in the extended position, the tab 68 can be adjacent the underside 38 of the table top 34. While in the example, a tab 68 extending outwardly is shown, in another example the tab 68 can be a slot cut into the cross member 58, and the table 20 will function similarly.

The first support 22 further includes a pair of legs 70 extending radially away from the cross member 58. In this example, the legs 70 terminate at a connection to a crescent-shaped, downwardly depending foot section 72. The legs 70 and the foot section 72 can be fabricated from tube steel. However, any configuration and cross section of the legs 70 is possible, with or without a foot section 72, in which the table top 34 is supported in an elevated position away from the substrate 40. In this example, the two legs 70 are provided spaced apart from each other along the cross member 58. Further, more or fewer legs 70 can be included in the first support 22. Even a single leg with an appropriate foot can be used if it can provide stability for the table top 34. As is known, the legs 70 support the table top 34 in an elevated position above the substrate 40.

An optional mounting bracket or channel 74 is fastened to the underside 38 of the table top 34 and in this example creates an area in which the tab 68 can rotate. The bracket 74 includes a plate section 76 mounted against the underside 38 with a pair of wings 77 extending generally perpendicularly away from the plate section 76. The wings 77 include notches 77 a to allow for the cross member 58 to pass laterally across the bracket 74. The bracket 74 in this example is made of steel, but can be made of any suitable material. The bracket 74 in this example provides a durable surface for the tab 68 to bear against when the support 22 is in the extended position and provides a mounting surface for a latch 78.

The latch 78 is spring loaded in this example and is mounted to the table top 34, and can be mounted to the plate section 76 in the bracket 74, as in this example. The latch 78, best seen in FIGS. 5-7, maintains the first support 22 in the extended position. The disclosed latch 78 includes a housing 80 fastened or otherwise mounted to the bracket 74 and is spaced laterally from the axis of rotation 64 toward the right side 28. An actuator lever 82 is pivotably connected to the housing 80. Further, a spring-loaded catch 84 is pivotably connected to the housing 80 and interengaged with the actuator lever 82 such that rotational movement of the actuator lever 82 causes rotational movement of the catch 84. The catch 84 has a cam surface 86 facing away from the housing 80 and has a locking surface 88 facing the plate section 76. The catch 84 is biased by a spring (not seen) into an obstructing position, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6. In the obstructing position, the catch 84 is biased outward away from the housing 80. A gap 89 is defined between the plate section 76 and the locking surface 88 and is further defined between the axis of rotation 64 and the housing 80. By pressing the actuator lever 82, the catch 84 is pivoted and retracts into the housing 80 into a withdrawn position, as shown in FIG. 7. The catch 84 can also be pushed into the housing 80 by simply applying pressure to the cam surface 86 to overcome the spring force of the biased catch.

To move the first support 22 from the stored position to the extended position, the user can simply grasp the first support 22 and rotate the first support 22 out of the receiver 46 and toward the position in which the legs 70 are approximately perpendicular to the table top 34. As the first support 22 rotates and nears the extended position, the tab 68 rotates into contact with the cam surface 86 of the catch 84. The cam surface 86 is angled such that as the first support 22 rotates, the tab 68 forces the catch 84 into the housing 80 to the withdrawn position until the tab 68 passes by the catch 84 and into the gap 89. The catch 84 then springs back to the obstructing position.

At this point, the tab 68 is maintained in the gap 89 between the locking surface 88 of the catch 84 and the plate section 76 of the channel 74, as is shown in FIG. 6. The plate section 76 prevents continued rotation of the first support 22 past the extended position and the locking surface 88 prevents rotation of the first support 22 back toward the stored position. The first support 22 is thereby securely maintained in the extended position.

To return the first support 22 back to the stored position, the user engages and pushes the lever 82 of the latch 78 which thereby pivots the catch 84 into the housing 80 and into the withdrawn position, as is shown in FIG. 7. In this position, the path of the tab 68 is not impeded by the catch 84. The user then simply rotates the first support 22 from the extended position to the stored position. The user can then use the receiver 46 to secure the first support 22 in the stored position by snapping a portion of one of the legs into the receiver 46.

An alternate example of a latch 90 is depicted in FIG. 8. The cross member 58 includes a slot 91 and has an outer surface 92. The latch 90 includes a catch 93 with a cam area 94. The catch 93 is biased by known means to the obstructing position shown in FIG. 8. In this example, the slot 91 and the outer surface 92 have the same functionality as the tab 68 in the previous example. When the first support 22 is in the stored position, the outer surface 92 bears against the cam area 94 of the catch 93 to maintain the catch 93 in a withdrawn position in which the cam is generally maintained within a housing 95 of the latch 90. As the first support is shift to the extended position, the cross member 58 is rotated and the slot 91 comes into a confronting relationship with the catch 93. The catch 93 is biased into the slot 91 and locks the first support 22 in the extended position.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, a second example of a table 100 with a first support 102 is depicted. In this example, a second support (not shown) is also included. The table 100 defines a front side 104, a back side 106, a left side 108, and a right side (not shown). The table 100 further includes a left half 109 and a right half (not shown). In this example, the first support 102 is near the left side 108 on the left half 109, and the second support is near the right side on the right half. Again, the right half can be a mirror of the left half 109, and as such, only the structure of the left half 109 will be described. The table 100 includes a table top 110, similar in structure to the table top of the first example, with a top side 112 and an underside 114.

The table 100 further includes a frame 116 on the underside 114 of the table top 110. The frame 116 includes a first rail 118 extending along the front side 104 of the table top 110 and a second rail 120 extending along the back side 106 of the table top 110. The first rail 118 and the second rail 120 both include a receiving hole 122 on the left side 108. The rails 118, 120 of the frame 116 can have a similar configuration and be fabricated of similar materials as in the first example.

The first support 102 includes a cross member 124 which in this example is in the shape of a tube with a front end 124 a and a rear end 124 b. The first support 102 includes a pair of legs 126 spaced laterally from each other and extending radially out from the cross member 124. Although two legs 126 are shown herein, again, more or fewer legs can be used. The two legs 126 terminate at a U-shaped footer 127. In this example, the footer 127 has a wider base than the legs 126 to provide greater stability of the table.

The front end 124 a and rear end 124 b of the cross member 124 are each contained within a respective receiving hole 122 of the first rail 118 and the second rail 120. The receiving holes 122 thereby receive the cross member 124 of the first support 102 and rotatably secure the first support 102 to the table top 110. Again, other structures may be used to rotatably secure the cross member 124 and therefore the first support 102 to the table top 110, such as brackets, depressions or holes in the lip, or the like.

Seen best in FIG. 11, extending radially out from and positioned centrally along the cross member 124 is a first tab 128. Also extending out from the cross member 124 is a second tab 130 that is generally opposite the first tab 128.

A casing 132 is fastened to the underside 114 of the table top 110 and generally envelops the cross member 124 along a portion of its length. The casing 132 includes a first slot 134 and a second slot 136 through which the legs 126 can travel when the first support 102 is rotated between the stored and the extended position. The slots 134, 136 have a width and a length and both terminate in a stop surface 138, 140. The width of each of the slots 134, 136 is slightly wider than the width or diameter of the legs 126, while the length can be such that when the first support 102 is in the extended position, the legs 126 bear against the slot stop surfaces 138, 140.

The casing 132 includes a bottom surface 141 fastened to the underside 114 of the table top 110 and a top surface 143 distal from the bottom surface 141. In between the top surface 143 and the bottom surface 141 is a step surface 142 substantially parallel to the underside 114 of the table top 110. The step surface 142 is connected to the top surface 143 and the bottom surface 141 by a pair of risers 143 a, 141 a. The step surface 142 is adapted to engage the second tab 130 when the first support 102 is in the extended position and prevent the first support 102 from rotating past the extended position.

Fastened to the casing 132 is a spring loaded latch 146. The latch 146 includes a housing 147 and is positioned such that it is opposite the first tab 128 attached to the cross member 124. The latch 146 includes a handle 148 and a catch 150 connected at a pivot point 149. The handle 148 includes a lip 148 a and a cam 148 b. The catch 150 includes an angled cam surface 152 and a locking surface 154. The catch 150 is shiftable toward and away from cross member 124 between an obstructing position, shown in FIG. 10, to a withdrawn position (not shown) in which the catch 150 is displaced laterally away from the cross member 124. The catch 150 is biased by a spring 156 to the obstructing position and can be moved to the withdrawn position by pulling the handle 148 longitudinally against the force of the spring 156. Also, the lip 148 a can be pulled outward such that the cam 148 b rotates against the housing 147 to essentially be a fulcrum. Thus, by rotating the lip 148 a about the cam 148 b, the catch 150 is pulled longitudinally outward. The catch 150 can also be moved to the withdrawn position by applying force against the cam surface 152 to push the catch 150 longitudinally against the force of the spring 156.

A plate 158 can be fastened to the underside 114 of the table top 110 opposite the latch 146 and the first tab 128. The plate 158 provides a surface against which the first tab 128 bears when the first support 102 is in the extended position. A depression 160 can be disposed in the underside 114 of the table top 110 positioned adjacent the second tab 130. The depression 160 is constructed such that as the first support 102 is rotated from the extended position to the stored position, the second tab 130 rotates within and is fully contained within the depression 160.

To move the first support 102 from the stored position shown in FIG. 9 to the extended position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the user simply rotates the first support 102 away from the table top 110. The first tab 128 interacts with the catch 150 as in the first example, such that as the first support 102 is rotated, the first tab 128 engages the cam surface 152 and pushes the catch 150 from the obstructing position to the withdrawn position until the first tab 128 has moved past the catch 150. The catch 150 can then snap back into the obstructing position when the first support 102 is rotated to the fully extended position. The first tab 128 is thereby trapped between the locking surface 154 of the catch 150 and the plate 158. This maintains the first support 102 in the extended position.

In this example, the second tab 130 is also rotated into contact with the stop surface 144 of the casing 132 when the first support 102 is in the extended position, thereby further preventing rotation of the first support 102 past the extended position. Finally, the legs 126 of the first support 102 travel through the slots 134, 136 in the casing 132. When the first support 102 is rotated into the extended position, the legs 126 are brought into contact with or near to the stop surfaces 138, 140 in the slots 134, 136. This further buttresses the legs 126 when the first support 102 is in the extended position and inhibits them from collapsing.

To move the first support 102 back to the stored position, the user can grasp the handle 148 and pull the catch 150 away from the cross member 124 from the obstructing position to the withdrawn position. The catch 150 is no longer blocking travel of the first support 102, and the first support 102 can simply be rotated back to the stored position.

The foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A table comprising: a table top with an underside; a support attached to the underside of the table top and rotatable between a stored position and an extended position, the support extending generally away from the table top when the support is in the extended position and substantially laying against the underside of the table top when the support is in the stored position; a tab carried by the support; and a latch positioned on the underside of the table top and including a catch shiftable between an obstructing position and a withdrawn position, the catch including a locking surface releasably engageable with the tab when the support is in the extended position and the catch is in the obstructing position to releasably secure the support in the extended position.
 2. The table of claim 1, the catch being biased to the obstructing position, the catch further comprising a cam surface, wherein the tab is adapted to cam against the cam surface as the support is rotated from the stored position to the extended position to shift the catch from the obstructing position to the withdrawn position.
 3. The table of claim 1, the support including a cross member, wherein the tab is attached to the cross member and is engageable with the catch during rotation of the support.
 4. The table of claim 1, further comprising a mounting bracket disposed on the underside of the table top, the mounting bracket including a stop surface, wherein the tab is confined between the stop surface of the mounting bracket and the locking surface of the latch when the support is in the extended position.
 5. The table of claim 1, the latch further comprising a pivot lever, the lever adapted to shift the catch between the obstructing position and the withdrawn position upon pivoting of the lever.
 6. The table of claim 1, the latch further comprising a shift lever moveable longitudinally, the shift lever adapted to shift the catch between the obstructing position and the withdrawn position upon longitudinal movement of the shift lever.
 7. The table of claim 1, further comprising a plate disposed on the underside of the table top opposite from the locking surface of the latch, a gap being defined between the plate and the locking surface, wherein the tab is confined in the gap when the support is in the extended position.
 8. The table of claim 1, further comprising a casing about at least a portion of the support.
 9. The table of claim 8, the casing further comprising at least one slot, the support moveable through the slot as the support is moved between the extended position and the stored position.
 10. The table of claim 9, the slot further comprising a slot stop, wherein when the support is in the extended position, the leg is adjacent the slot stop such that the support cannot rotate past the extended position.
 11. The table of claim 8, the casing further comprising a stop surface, the support including a second tab extending outward, wherein when the support is in the extended position, the second tab bears against the stop surface such that the support cannot rotate past the extended position.
 12. The table of claim 1, further comprising U-brackets to rotatably secure the cross member to the table top.
 13. The table of claim 1, further comprising a frame extending along the front side and the back side of the table and adapted to provide strength to the table top, the frame comprising a first rail and a second rail.
 14. The table of claim 13, the first rail and the second rail each comprising an opening, the support comprising end portions rotatably disposed inside the openings such that the support is rotatable within the frame.
 15. The table of claim 1, the table further comprising a receiver located on the underside of the table top, the receiver configured to secure the support in the stored position.
 16. The table of claim 1, the latch further comprising a handle pivotably connected to the catch, the handle including a lip and a cam, the catch moveable longitudinally by rotation of the lip about the cam.
 17. The table of claim 1, wherein an angle of the support relative to the table top is greater than 90° when the support is in the extended position.
 18. A table comprising: a table top having an underside; a support attached to the underside of the table top and shiftable between a stored position and an extended position; a tab carried by the support; and a releasable latch positioned on the underside of the table top and adapted to engage the tab to secure the support in the extended position.
 19. The table of claim 18, wherein the latch is automatically shiftable between an obstructing position and a withdrawn position in response to movement of the support toward the extended position.
 20. The table of claim 19, the latch including a cam surface, wherein the tab is adapted to cam against the cam surface of the latch to shift it to the retracted position as the support is rotated to the extended position.
 21. The table of claim 18, the support further including an axle, wherein the support is rotatable about the axle having a pivot axis.
 22. The table of claim 21, wherein the tab is carried by the axle.
 23. The table of claim 21, wherein the tab comprises a recess formed in the axle.
 24. The table of claim 18, wherein the latch is biased toward the obstructing position.
 25. The table of claim 18, wherein the latch includes a handle disposed in a housing.
 26. The table of claim 25, wherein the handle is pivotable about an axis.
 27. The table of claim 25, wherein the handle retracts linearly.
 28. A table comprising: a table top having an underside; a support attached to the underside of the table top and rotatable between a stored position and an extended position; a first tab carried by the support; a second tab carried by the support; and a latch secured to the table top and including a catch having a locking surface, the catch shiftable between an obstructing position and a withdrawn position; wherein in the extended position, the first tab is secured between the table top and the locking surface of the catch, and the second tab bears against a stop surface.
 29. The table of claim 28, further comprising a casing mounted to the underside of the table top and including the stop surface against which the second tab bears while in the extended position, the first tab and the second tab rotatable within the casing.
 30. The table of claim 29, the casing further including at least one slot, wherein the support is moveable through the slot between the extended position and the stored position.
 31. The table of claim 30, the slot including a slot stop, wherein the support bears against the slot stop when the support is in the extended position.
 32. The table of claim 28, further comprising a spring that biases the catch to the obstructing position.
 33. The table of claim 28, the table top further comprising a recess, wherein the second tab is moveable within the recess between the extended position and the stored position.
 34. A table comprising: a table top having an underside; a support attached to the underside of the table top and shiftable between a stored position and an extended position; a shiftable latch positioned on the underside of the table top and engageable with the support to releasably secure the support in the extended position.
 35. The table of claim 34, the support further comprising a slot, the shiftable latch engageable with the slot to releasably secure the support in the extended position.
 36. The table of claim 34, the support further comprising a tab, the shiftable latch engageable with the tab to releasably secure the support in the extended position. 